Chameleons are lizards. They come in all different colors. Some even change their colors to blend in. This skill makes the beasts seem to disappear. One of chameleon really did disappear for about 100 years. Now, researchers have found it!
The lizard is called Voeltzkow’s chameleon. It reappeared in Madagascar. That island nation in Africa is famous for its wildlife. It is home to about half of the 150 species of chameleons. The lizards spend a lot of time in trees. But Voeltzkow’s chameleon was found in a hotel garden!
Frank Glaw was part of a team that searched for the chameleon. The experts shared a report. They found several Voeltzkow’s chameleons. Glaw said finding animals is an important step in protecting them. “Species not seen by scientists are likely to be ,” he explained. The sooner scientists can learn about a creature, the sooner they can help!
Luckily, Glaw doesn’t think this lizard is in much danger. That’s because it lives over a large area of land. Finding the chameleons at the hotel was a good sign too. It shows that Voeltzkow’s chameleon can live around humans.
“It is really hard to understand why this chameleon was overlooked for so long,” Glaw said. There may be several reasons. The lizards’ is hard to reach in the rainy season. And the animals may have short lives. “So you have to be in the right place at the right time,” Glaw said.
Experts already know a bit about Voeltzkow’s chameleons. The females are skilled at changing color. “Sleeping females are not very colorful,” Glaw shared. “Relaxed females are largely green.” But the lady lizards quickly change when they get excited or stressed. They turn “black, white, and blue.” Males tend to stay green.
Glaw shared a message for kids who dream of helping animals. “Thousands of species are waiting for their rediscovery by you!” Glaw said. “Just keep your eyes open!”
Updated November 12, 2020, 5:01 P.M. (ET)
By Teresa Johnson
